PRP hair treatment is a non-surgical procedure that uses a small sample of your own blood, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which is then injected into the scalp to stimulate weakened hair follicles and support regrowth. Many patients have a course of three sessions spaced roughly four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance, with results that build gradually over several months.<\/p>\n
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets carry growth factors that play a role in tissue repair, and the theory behind PRP hair treatment is that delivering a concentrated dose of these growth factors directly into the scalp can reawaken miniaturised follicles and prolong the active growth phase of the hair cycle.<\/p>\n
The process is straightforward. A clinician draws a small amount of blood, much like a routine blood test, then places it in a centrifuge that separates the platelet-rich plasma from the other blood components. That plasma is then injected into the thinning areas of the scalp using fine needles. Because the treatment uses your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.<\/p>\n
PRP is best understood as a follicle-support treatment rather than a cure. It does not create new follicles where none exist, so it works best on hair that is thinning but still present.<\/p>\n
PRP suits people in the earlier stages of hair loss, where follicles are weakening but have not been lost entirely. It is commonly used for early-pattern thinning in both men and women, and for diffuse shedding.<\/p>\n
PRP is not a one-size-fits-all answer. A consultation is needed to confirm whether the follicles in a given area are likely to respond, and PRP is often recommended alongside other therapies rather than on its own. You can read more about how it fits into a wider plan in our overview of non-surgical hair loss treatments<\/a>.<\/p>\n A typical appointment takes around 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Here is the usual sequence:<\/p>\n There is no surgical incision and no extended downtime. Mild tenderness, redness or slight swelling at the injection sites is common and typically settles within a day or two. Our clinical team follows a defined PRP protocol<\/a> to standardise how the plasma is prepared and delivered.<\/p>\n PRP is a course, not a single treatment. Most clinics recommend an initial series of three sessions spaced roughly four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every four to six months to sustain the effect.<\/p>\n Results are gradual. Reduced shedding is often the first sign, sometimes within the first couple of months, while visible thickening usually becomes apparent around three to six months in. PRP does not produce overnight change, and individual response varies considerably.<\/p>\n In the UK, a single PRP session typically costs roughly \u00a3200 to \u00a3500, and an initial course of three sessions often falls in the region of \u00a3600 to \u00a31,500, depending on the clinic, the area treated and the protocol used. Maintenance sessions are charged individually.<\/p>\n Because PRP is an ongoing treatment, it helps to think of the cost over a full year rather than per session. Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation, where the recommended number of sessions for your situation is agreed. PRP is generally more affordable upfront than surgery, but it is a continuing commitment rather than a one-off fix.<\/p>\n PRP has a strong safety profile because it uses your own blood, which makes allergic or immune reactions very unlikely. The most common side effects are temporary: mild pain during injection, tenderness, redness and short-lived swelling.<\/p>\n The key limit to understand is what PRP can and cannot do. PRP can<\/strong> support and strengthen existing follicles and improve density in thinning areas. PRP cannot<\/strong> regrow hair on areas that are completely bald, nor can it match the coverage a hair transplant provides in advanced loss. For more established baldness, PRP is sometimes used to support the surrounding native hair rather than as the primary solution. A consultation is the only reliable way to know whether PRP is appropriate for you.<\/p>\n Most patients describe PRP as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. The blood draw feels like a routine test, and the scalp injections can sting briefly. Numbing cream, cooling or local anaesthetic is often used to keep the procedure comfortable.<\/p>\n Results are not permanent and require upkeep. After the initial course, maintenance sessions every four to six months are usually needed to sustain the improvement, because PRP supports the existing hair cycle rather than permanently changing it.<\/p>\n Yes. PRP is often used alongside a hair transplant to support healing and strengthen the surrounding native hair. The two treatments address different needs and can complement each other within a single plan.<\/p>\n PRP is used for both men and women and can be helpful for early female-pattern thinning and diffuse shedding. As with men, it works best where follicles are weakening but still present, and an individual assessment is needed to confirm suitability.<\/p>\n Many clinics advise waiting around 24 hours before washing your hair and avoiding vigorous exercise, saunas and harsh hair products for a day or two. Your clinician will give you specific aftercare guidance on the day.<\/p>\nWhat does a PRP session involve?<\/h2>\n
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How many sessions do you need and when do you see results?<\/h2>\n
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\n \nStage<\/th>\n Typical timing<\/th>\n What to expect<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Initial course<\/td>\n 3 sessions, 4\u20136 weeks apart<\/td>\n Building the foundation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Early changes<\/td>\n 1\u20133 months<\/td>\n Less shedding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visible thickening<\/td>\n 3\u20136 months<\/td>\n Improved density and texture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Maintenance<\/td>\n Every 4\u20136 months<\/td>\n Sustaining results<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n How much does PRP hair treatment cost in the UK?<\/h2>\n
Is PRP safe, and what are the limits?<\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
Does PRP hair treatment hurt?<\/h3>\n
How long do PRP results last?<\/h3>\n
Can PRP be combined with a hair transplant?<\/h3>\n
Does PRP work for female hair loss?<\/h3>\n
How soon can I wash my hair after PRP?<\/h3>\n